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September 2009

• 25 Sep 2009
  Ireland: Government to trim industrial relations bodies in cost-cutting exercise

  The Irish government is considering a massive €5.2 billion list of expenditure cuts as part of a major effort to deal with the state’s fiscal crisis. The spending cuts could result in significant changes for the formal industrial relations dispute resolution agencies and various social partnership bodies. The proposed cuts were recommended by a special group set up to examine exchequer spending and identify areas for expenditure and staff savings.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Luxembourg: Differing views on reform of worker representation

  The new government’s programme includes improvements to employee representation in companies. Trade unions believe that the legal framework for worker representation dating from the 1970s no longer reflects the reality of how companies work. A draft legal text was drawn up in 2004, but failed to make progress. The new government now hopes to advance this legislation further; however, employer groups are not in favour of the proposed reforms.

• 25 Sep 2009
  EU Level: BusinessEurope raises concern over REACH obligations for companies

  To coincide with the Helsinki Chemicals Forum, the employer organisation BusinessEurope presented the first results of its analysis on the REACH obligations for the safe use of chemicals. The organisation listed seven priority actions for optimising the implementation of REACH. In particular, BusinessEurope argues in favour of reducing the financial burden. However, the European Trade Union Confederation supports the continued obligations under REACH.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Bulgaria: Renewed role for National Council for Tripartite Cooperation

  In August 2009, just a week after the formation of the new government, the Minister of Labour and Social Policy initiated meetings with the social partners through the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation. As priority areas for action to tackle the economic crisis, the social partners reflected on ways to strengthen and preserve employment, to develop and maintain the financial stability of Bulgaria’s social security systems and to seek more effective use of public funds.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Ireland: Dispute over pay rise for electricians despite court ruling

  A five-day strike by 10,000 electricians, who are covered by a mandatory registered sectoral pay agreement, came to an end in July after the Labour Court recommended that a 5% pay rise be granted, albeit at a somewhat later date. However, the 5% pay increase is again in doubt after two key employer groups voted to reject the dispute resolution proposals. An investigation into the dispute has since been launched to prevent further strike action later this year.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Germany: New package of agreements for social and childcare workers

  In late July 2009, following months of industrial dispute, the United Services Union and the German Union of Education agreed with the Municipal Employers’ Association on a new package of agreements covering some 220,000 public employees working in kindergartens, day-care centres, as well as the youth welfare service and social agencies. The agreements include provisions on occupational health protection and a grading system providing for higher wages for most employees.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Estonia: Unemployment insurance premiums to rise again

  On 1 August 2009, unemployment insurance premiums in Estonia increased from 2% to 2.8% of wages for employees and from 1% to 1.4% of the payroll for employers. The increase was explained as being necessary for the Unemployment Insurance Fund to cover the growing expenses caused by the continuing economic recession and by new redundancy regulation that has raised unemployment levels and the number of benefit recipients.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Sweden: Social partners disagree on solutions for youth unemployment

  Youth unemployment in Sweden is among the highest in Europe. Lately, the social partners, the government and the media have been focusing on the difficult position of young people due to the ongoing recession and their future labour market opportunities. The employers and trade unions disagree on the reasons for youth unemployment and the measures that should be taken in order to improve the situation.

• 25 Sep 2009
  France: Multi-industry agreement resolves milk crisis

  The sharp decrease in the price paid to milk producers in April 2009 triggered three weeks of conflict between the producers, on the one hand, and the distributors and processors, on the other. A multi-industry agreement was signed in June, following pressure from the French government. The margins on milk and milk by-products will be subject to greater monitoring. However, milk producers remain unhappy with the prices agreed and are continuing to strike.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Lithuania: Lack of consensus over national agreement on economic crisis

  In light of the current economic crisis, Lithuania’s government and social partner organisations, as well as bodies representing the interests of retired people, are negotiating the possibility of signing a national agreement. Although a draft version of the national agreement has been debated several times, the parties have failed to reach consensus on many of the issues that have arisen. Therefore, it is still unclear when and if a national agreement will be signed.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Netherlands: CNV Dienstenbond proposes more employee influence in companies

  The CNV Services Federation plans to increase employee influence within companies, in order to secure continuity for companies and a better balance of mutual interests. It proposes raising the number of employee supervisory directors on management boards, introducing a loyalty dividend and improving strategic communication between the executive and shop floor levels. The first company eligible for the power shift is ABN Amro/Fortis, which was partly nationalised in 2008.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Portugal: Autoeuropa workers reject works council ‘pre-agreement’

  In June 2009, the majority of workers at the Portuguese Volkswagen plant Autoeuropa rejected a proposal for new solutions of labour flexibility, which had been negotiated by the company’s management and works council. At the core of the agreement is the reduction of pay for overtime on Saturdays in the context of working time accounts. As Autoeuropa is widely considered a particularly successful case of negotiated change towards greater competitiveness, the case is of major significance.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Norway: Agreement ends conflict between police union and state

  The Norwegian Police Federation, which represents police officers, managed to reach an agreement with the Norwegian state in July 2009 on working time and compensation for increased working time. The settlement marked the end of a conflict between the two parties that started in the autumn of 2008, involving widespread unrest and government intervention. It is debatable whether the agreement will be sufficient to counter the effects of the protest.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Slovakia: Anti-crisis measures help to maintain employment

  The global economic crisis has led to increased redundancies in Slovakia in 2009. In May, the number of registered unemployed persons reached nearly 336,000 workers, compared with 235,000 in November 2008. Companies have announced mass dismissals of more than 37,000 employees in that period. However, only 9,147 of these workers have registered at the labour offices so far, due to the implementation of measures adopted in order to maintain employment.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Hungary: Agreement resolves dispute at MALÉV Airlines

  On taking up his position at MALÉV Airlines, the airline’s new chief executive officer made an immediate restructuring announcement. After a two-hour warning strike in the summer of 2009, pilots at MALÉV Airlines reached an agreement with the company management on a new salary structure and the company policy on no longer hiring pilots from temporary work agencies. Both the employer and trade union are satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Norway: Agreement on pensions reached in difficult public sector bargaining round

  In June 2009, the social partners reached agreement in a difficult public sector bargaining round, thus averting strike action in both the state and municipal sectors in Norway. The most controversial issue on the bargaining agenda was changes to the public sector pension scheme; however, following intensive pressure from the trade unions, the present arrangements were largely maintained, linking pension amounts to the length of employment.

• 25 Sep 2009
  Norway: EFTA Surveillance Authority continues to examine social dumping measures

  In July 2009, the EFTA Surveillance Authority announced its finding that the Norwegian General Application Act complies with the free movement of services and Directive 96/71 on posted workers. However, it will continue investigating other measures to combat social dumping in Norway, such as a contractor’s duty to inform and monitor subcontractors regarding minimum wages and working conditions, as well as obligations under public work contracts on these issues.

• 23 Sep 2009
  Cyprus: Cyprus – Greening the European Economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  Issues of the environment and ecology do not appear to constitute a political priority as yet, and the turn towards a green economy, as a long-term sustainable alternative for the future development of the Cyprus economy, is still in an embryonic stage. In this context, all recent government announcements are in line with Cyprus’s obligation as an EU member state to help deal with climate change.

• 23 Sep 2009
  France: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – France

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in France. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 23 Sep 2009
  EU Countries: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry

  This report sets out to provide the necessary information for evaluating sectoral social dialogue in the steel industry. The report first outlines the industry’s economic background and then examines the social partner organisations in all of the EU Member States (with the exception of Ireland), exploring membership levels, collective bargaining and public policy, and national and European affiliations. Finally,the report analyses the relevant European organisations, focusing in particular on membership composition and their capacity to negotiate. The aim of the EIRO representativeness studies is to identify the relevant national and supranational social partner organisations in the field of industrial relations in selected sectors. The impetus for these studies arises from the goal of the European Commission to recognise the representative social partner organisations to be consulted under the EC Treaty provisions. Hence, this study is designed to provide the basic information required to establish and evaluate sectoral social dialogue.

• 23 Sep 2009
  Italy: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Italy

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Italy. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  United Kingdom: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – United Kingdom

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in the United Kingdom. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Slovakia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel sector – Slovakia

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Slovakia. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Slovenia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Slovenia

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Slovenia. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Sweden: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Sweden

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Sweden. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Romania: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Romania

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Romania. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Portugal: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Portugal

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Portugal. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Poland: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Poland

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Poland. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Netherlands: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Netherlands

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in the Netherlands. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Malta: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Malta

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Malta. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Latvia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Latvia

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Latvia. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Luxembourg: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Luxembourg

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Luxembourg. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Lithuania: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Lithuania

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Lithuania. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Hungary: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Hungary

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Hungary. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Greece: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Greece

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Greece. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Finland: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Finland

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Finland. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Spain: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Spain

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Spain. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Estonia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Estonia

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Estonia. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Denmark: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Denmark

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Denmark. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Germany: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Germany

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Germany. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Czech Republic: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Czech Republic

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in the Czech Republic. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Cyprus: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Cyprus

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Cyprus. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Bulgaria: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Bulgaria

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Bulgaria. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Belgium: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Belgium

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Belgium. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  Austria: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Steel industry – Austria

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the steel industry in Austria. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 22 Sep 2009
  EU Countries: Trade union membership 2003–2008

  This report examines trade union membership in the European Union and Norway over the period 2003–2008. It looks at the number of trade union members, the relative size of the main organisations and the breakdown of membership by gender, as well as issues related to trade union density.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Poland: Poland – Greening the European Economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  The environmental protection in Poland in comparison to the situation in other EU countries is a peculiar challenge. This peculiarity mostly results from neglect and an economy that extensively used and abused the environment before 1989. More than 10 years of efforts greatly co-financed by external funding brought about a significant reduction in the amount of pollutants permeating into the environment. At the same time, however, the fundamental resource of Poland’s energy sector is still the coal. Because of that Poland is now facing two sorts of challenges: negative (reduction of carbon based power engineering) and positive (creating greener workplaces).

• 18 Sep 2009
  United Kingdom: United Kingdom – Greening the European economy: Responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  This report sets out the actions and initiatives taken by the government and social partners in the UK to mitigate the effects of climate change and encourage the development of a green economy. While a range of efforts are being made by policy makers and social partners, the job creation potential of the green economy could be hindered by a lack of appropriate skills. Commentators have therefore highlighted the need to address potential skills shortages in the medium term.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Sweden: Sweden – Greening the European economy: Responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  The Swedish government has presented a strategy for stimulating new jobs in accordance with the crisis. But when it comes to green issues, the automotive industry is nearly the only sector addressed. However, a commission was recently appointed to advice the government on issues concerning the integration of the environment and other parts of the Swedish society.The social partners are generally engaged in these issues. Cooperation between the social partners on green issues is however rare and there seems to be a discrepancy between the terminologies used by the different organisations when discussing the green agenda.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Malta: Malta – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  While the enhancement of the environment is one of the five strategic thrusts listed in Malta’s National Reform Programme, the concept of green jobs has only started to infiltrate Malta’s public agenda. Apart from a number of government organisations, some tripartite organisations deal with issues relating to the environment. Social partners tend to have positive attitudes towards the green agenda, which however, often still need to be translated into concrete strategies and actions.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Norway: Norway – Greening the European Economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  In its January 2009 “crisis package” the Norwegian government proposed to increase public spending by NOK 14 ¾ billion. The Minister of Finance stressed that the measures “have a clear green profile”, and funds were set aside for among others supporting the introduction of energy efficiency measures, research and development within offshore wind power production and increased investments in railways. The social partners at both the labour and employer side have over the last years adopted “climate strategy papers” and have put a number of climate issues on their agenda. An important driving force is the challenges the energy dependent Norwegian economy meet due to international agreement on reductions in green-house emissions.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Latvia: Latvia – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  Green issues have neither been widely discussed nor considered significant in Latvia. Although there is a specific ministry (the Ministry of Environment) dealing with environmental protection in Latvia, green issues to a large extent are neglected in both public administration and in the academic area. Green issues are no important topics in the dialog between social partners either. The papers on green issues mostly deal with the following areas of environmental protection: climate control, diminishing of emissions and waste recovery.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Lithuania: Lithuania – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  Under the conditions of extremely difficult economic recession, greening of the economy initiatives are left undervalued and insufficiently promoted in Lithuania. Though, in general, social partners find the green agenda to be positive, they have not clearly declared this point of view in public, i.e., social partners have not developed or implemented any strategies, positions and actions in this area. The anti-crisis Programme, as developed by the LRV and approved in the beginning of 2009, provides inter alia for the extension of energy efficiency of buildings, aiming not only at energy saving but also at maintaining jobs in the construction sector. In the environment of the deepening economic crisis, increasing attention is being paid to natural farming: farmers’ markets are being rapidly establishing in Lithuania in order to promote the use of natural agricultural produce, on one hand, and to maintain jobs in the agricultural sector, on the other hand.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Luxembourg: Luxemburg – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  The government has decided on a series of measures which, while motivated by ecological considerations, will improve consumers’ purchasing power and at the same time help support economic activity. In addition, a draft national sustainable development plan has been drawn up in collaboration with the social partners in particular. A new strand has just been adopted in the government programme aimed at achieving economic diversification in Luxembourg. It relates to green technologies. The idea, in economic terms, is to assist existing companies to move to new processes and encourage traditional sectors to move over to new processes. In environmental terms, the aim is to improve the productivity of natural resources and to reduce environmental impacts.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Czech Republic: Czech Republic – Greening the European Economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  In the recent two years, the Czech Republic has advanced towards the green economy, success was made in acquiring money for environmental investment. Green technologies, according to the statement of Martin Bursík, ex Minister of the Environment, have become part of the government anti-crisis measures.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Belgium: Belgium – Greening the European Economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  The ‘green’ chapter in the Belgian recovery plan is only limited. This conclusion ‘hides’ however the attention the issue gets in the (tri-partite) social dialogue and concertation. The partners are building in this regard on policy experience, created in the last 10 to 15 years related to the topics of sustainable development, energy and climate. An important recent initiative in this regard is the eco-cheque. More is certainly to come in the coming months, when the new regional governments will be established. Topics include energy efficiency, mobility, eco-innovation, and sustainable public procurement.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Austria: Austria – Greening the European Economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  The Austrian government and the major social partner organisations agree that the country’s environmental technology industry is the most promising sector to secure environmentally sustainable economic growth. Therefore the government has launched several initiatives to stimulate this industry branch over the recent years. Since the social partners primarily deal with ‘core’ industrial relations issues rather than ‘green’ issues, their actual role in shaping a future ‘green economy‘ has remained unclear.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Slovakia: Slovakia – Greening the European economy: Responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  The Slovak Government has adopted a set of measures in order to alleviate impacts of global economic crisis to the country. It also involved measures related to green issues which mainly concern the reduction of energy consumption and air pollution. Implementation of these measures is supported by state subsidies and concerns several sectors. There was no specialised governmental body established to deal with green issues during the last 12 month. Social partners deal with green issues mainly through tripartite consultations at the Economic and Social Council and partially also at the Council for the Economic Crisis.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Greece: Greece – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  In the case of Greece, the issue of green economy and employment has only recently begun to seriously concern the government, politicians and social partners. Whereas the initiatives taken are neither subsumed under a broader discussion on tackling the impacts of the financial crisis on economic growth and the labour market, nor discussed in the context of social dialogue or a wider public debate, an effort is made on evaluating potential perspectives and analyzing the different parameters of the matter, rather than on drafting specific political plans on the implementation of a green agenda.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Hungary: Hungary – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  Although there have been several governmental initiatives at promoting environmental issues which are also addressed in policy documents, there is no comprehensive strategy for greening the Hungarian economy. In the context of the current economic situation the government is aiming to tackle the consequences of the economic crisis with measures promising short-term results, rather than making investments with long-term returns. The promotion and production of green energy has gained more attention in recent years, partly as a response to the country’s dependency of fossil fuels imported from abroad.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Finland: Finland – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  The Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development (Suomen kestävän kehityksen toimikunta) is the most important tripartite forum − coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment (Ympäristöministeriö) − where different stakeholders present their ideas, goals and programmes and engage in a broad debate about ecological sustainability and greening the economy. Since its establishment in 1993, the task of the Commission has been to promote and coordinate the implementation of sustainable development in Finland. Both peak employer organisations and trade union confederations have been active in the greening issues. Social partners have made their own energy and climate policy targeting.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Denmark: Denmark – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  The Danish Government has issued a proposal called ‘Green Growth’, which focuses on the mitigation of the effects of climate changes on agriculture and the food industry sector. The proposal is not so much a contribution to harness the potential of green economy as it is a proposal that focuses on protecting the environment. In comparison the social partners and the Danish business and trades have been promotors in the part that concerns greening the energy sector and hereby diminishing CO2 emissions. This is done through focussing on sustainable technology or green tech.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Spain: Spain – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  In the context of the current economic crisis, the Spanish Government has launched an economic recovery plan, known as PlanE. Under the objective of modernising the economy, several measures are related to the green agenda. Social dialogue on green issues is linked to the debate about the modernisation of the economy and the promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility. Government, trade unions and employer associations agree that it is necessary to enhance the economic recovery promoting an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable model. However, short-term trade-offs between environmental and socioeconomic issues are not easy to be dealt with.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Netherlands: The Netherlands – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  In reaction to the recession, the Cabinet has announced extra measures to stimulate the economy, including several ‘green’ measures. All major green issues are covered by the tripartite Social and Economic Council. All in all, the government and the social partners are in agreement on the agenda, but recently the social partners are critical on the speed with which the government operates. Employers reject interference in company affairs.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Bulgaria: Bulgaria – Greening the European Economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  Bulgaria is committed to protecting the environment and to developing a sustainable, low-carbon economy. The environmental policy of the country is highly impacted by the EU integration and the need to harmonise its legislation with the EU environmental directives. However, the policy debates on climate change and policies towards a greening of the economy are still very much in their initial stages and despite a lot of strategic documents lack a comprehensive approach. While some NGOs are very active in the field there is a need for more coordinated and pro-active actions of the social partners. More of the initiatives have been implemented in recent years with the support of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Portugal: Portugal – Greening the European economy: Responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  The Portuguese government’s current anti-crisis programme does not have a general approach to greening the economy, but it includes an important investment in renewable energies and energy efficiency. The Ministry of Labour is preparing an initiative designed to achieve a better coordination of governmental efforts for green employment. Unions show a more positive attitude towards green issues than employers. All social partners still lack expertise in this area, but unions have already begun to build up some capacity. Tripartite negotiations do not focus on greening the economy, yet, but the government may soon take an initiative in this direction.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Italy: Italy – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  Two distinctive features of Italy’s “green agenda” emerge from this CAR. Firstly, as stressed by the social partners concerned, Italian legislation on renewable energy is incomplete. The 2008 Budget Law mentions various measures, but they have not yet been implemented. Also lacking is a systematic concern with economic and, especially, employment potential. Scant references are made to incentives for training or to enterprise start-ups in this sector. The second feature is the influence of the territorial variable on the quantity and the quality of the ‘green’ initiatives undertaken. In fact, some regions are much more active than others.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Ireland: Ireland – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  This contribution examines the green agenda in Ireland as of June 2009, and considers responses and initiatives by the Irish Government and the social partners, particularly in the context of Ireland’s current recession. With Ireland deep in recession, the green agenda could be a vital means of future employment creation.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Germany: Germany – Greening the European Economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  The economic stimulus packages, which are a comprise by the Christian-Democratic and Social-Democratic government, provide some incentives for energy reduction and climate protection, , but an increase in green jobs is not a specific objective. Whereas the Confederation of German Trade Unions has some years of history in conceptualising ecological industrial restructuring and green job creation, currently, as of May 2009, there are no new major initiatives by neither the trade unions nor the employers’ organisations to promote green jobs.

• 18 Sep 2009
  France: France – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  Environmental issues are becoming topics that governments, employer organisations and trade unions pay increasing attention to. Initiatives are above all of an individual nature, along with a process of consultations that was launched in 2007 which encourages collective actions and legal measures in order to increase responsibility in governance.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Estonia: Estonia – Greening the European economy: responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  Some policy initiatives could be pointed out to contribute to the greening of the economy in Estonia. Still, these actions are divided across different strategies and between different ministries and so a coherent approach is lacking. The issues of the green economy are not the primer concern on the social partners' agenda. The social partners have expressed their opinions on the matter to a limited extent and in many cases this has been explicit rather than directly referring to the issues of the green agenda. There have been no initiatives or targeted actions of social partners on these matters.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Slovenia: Slovenia – Greening the European economy: Responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  Slovenia has a number of different documents and recommendations on how to increase the economic growth and employment at the national level, including measures for sustainable development, but practical realization is less evident. Social partners presented solutions to overcome the economic crisis in their position papers, while social dialogue at the national level is missing. The government of the Republic of Slovenia has a key role in the preparation and implementation of measures and is less prepared for joint strategies with trade union confederations and employer associations.

• 18 Sep 2009
  Romania: Romania – Greening the European economy: Responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

  In Romania, the social partners in industry, agriculture and tourism and the central and local public administration have understood the importance of this chance, and the general opinion is in favour of a green economy. In this context, the package of measures designed to dampen the crisis include proposals made by the social partners, some of which are related to the green economy and environmental protection. There is much talk now of a 'green reindustrialisation of Romania', for which the country has the natural resources, but lacks the finance.

• 16 Sep 2009
  EU Level: A groundbreaking European company agreement at Warema?

  The recent agreement to transform the German sunshade manufacturer Warema into a European company (Societas Europaea, SE) has been hailed as a major stepping stone in the development of European employee participation and as an important precedent for future SEs to follow. For example, its newly founded European Works Council will have access to all of the company’s sites and be able to speak on behalf of employees without any other form of representation.

• 16 Sep 2009
  Portugal: Trade union confederations present crisis proposals

  Portugal’s two trade union confederations are highly concerned about the effects of the global economic crisis, particularly in relation to the rise in unemployment. They have presented a number of proposals to the government, demanding practical measures to protect jobs, combat dismissals and provide further social protection for unemployed people. In addition, the trade union confederations call for more measures to protect workers’ rights.

• 16 Sep 2009
  Germany: Young workers to substitute for older employees

  In July 2009, the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs proposed extending the partial retirement scheme for older employees run by the Federal Employment Agency for another five years. Employers retaining a successful trainee or recruiting a new trainee are to be supported by the scheme. The minister argued that older and younger employees could thus be protected from unemployment during the current economic crisis. However, the proposal sparked a heated debate among the social partners.

• 16 Sep 2009
  Sweden: New temporary unemployment insurance rules adopted

  In adopting new temporary unemployment insurance rules, the government has responded to trade union criticism regarding the increase in membership fees to the unemployment insurance funds and the reduction in unemployment benefit payments in 2006 and 2007. The government has now reduced the membership fees and made it easier for people to receive unemployment benefits. However, the trade unions consider that the changes are insufficient.

• 16 Sep 2009
  Finland: Social partners criticise stimulus package in draft 2010 budget

  The Finnish Ministry of Finance has unveiled the country’s draft 2010 budget, which includes a separate stimulus package with the aim of preventing an economic recession. With this budget, the government hopes to foster employment in 2010. However, both the trade union and employer sides have criticised the stimulus package as they believe that it will not have a significant impact on boosting employment.

• 16 Sep 2009
  Norway: Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions holds annual congress

  The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions held its national congress in May 2009. The current leader will continue to head the organisation. The congress made a resolution to give continued support to the present red-green coalition government in the autumn general election. It also called on the government to postpone the implementation of the European Union postal directive and to carry out a re-evaluation of the European Economic Area Agreement.

• 16 Sep 2009
  Slovakia: Overall satisfaction with current bargaining system

  In 2007, Slovakia introduced important changes in labour legislation. Most changes came about as a result of requests from trade unions to improve employee protection and collective bargaining. However, employers had serious reservations about the changes. In order to map experiences with the implementation of changes, the Institute for Labour and Family Research conducted a company survey in late 2008. Overall, respondents were mostly satisfied with the current collective bargaining system.

• 16 Sep 2009
  EU Level: Agreement on preventing sharp instrument injuries at work in healthcare sector

  The social partners in the healthcare sector have signed an agreement that aims to set minimum standards for preventing needle stick and other sharp instrument injuries at work. The new agreement covers all hospital and healthcare workers in the public and private sectors. It promotes the safest possible working environment by introducing risk assessment, prevention, training and awareness raising initiatives. The agreement is the outcome of consultations that began in 2006.

• 16 Sep 2009
  Italy: Social partners aim to boost economic activities in Rome and Lazio region

  In June 2009, the regional branches of the social partner organisations in Lazio signed an agreement with the aim of relaunching the economy in Rome and the entire region. The agreement provides for initiatives in five key areas, including: research, innovation and training; renewable energy and the environment; the development of tourism and infrastructures. It also focuses on developing a culture of health and safety at the workplace through targeted training initiatives.

• 16 Sep 2009
  Poland: Employers held to account for late payment of wages

  The National Labour Inspectorate has found that, in the first half of 2009, the scale of delays in remuneration payments has increased. This is another factor suggesting that the cash flow of Polish employers is lower than in recent years. Employers who are in arrears with paying wages will be charged a fine. Small companies are experiencing particular problems regarding payments, especially in the retail, manufacturing and construction sectors.

• 16 Sep 2009
  Netherlands: Social partners agree wage increase despite economic crisis

  In the latest collective agreements, the social partners agreed on an average wage increase in line with the inflation rate of 1%–1.5%. Meanwhile, the Central Planning Office emphasises that wage moderation could be counterproductive in light of the serious economic downturn facing the Netherlands. Employers in construction, however, demonstrate that they are thinking beyond the recession and want to remain attractive for young workers, by agreeing a wage increase of 2%.

• 15 Sep 2009
  EU Countries: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  This report reviews the present situation concerning the relevance and implementation of flexicurity in European Union Member States. First, the report presents a brief introduction of recent developments on the issue of flexicurity at EU level, followed by a review of policies at national level. The study then focuses on the contribution of social dialogue and collective bargaining to the different approaches to flexicurity at national level and on the positions of the social partners. Moreover, the report aims to investigate whether the introduction of the concept of flexicurity at national level has had any impact on the attitudes of the social partners as regards labour regulation and, more generally, on industrial relations.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Latvia: Latvia: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Official debate on implementation of the flexicurity approach started in 2005, when Latvian government adopted the National Lisbon program 2005-2008. In May 2006, the government published Informative report on proposals necessary to ensure flexibility and security in legal labour relations. This report set forth nine directions of actions aimed at better implementation of flexicurity approach. It is assumed that main preconditions of flexicurity approach are established in labour legislation, but implementation of this legislation and information of employers and employees must be improved. The role of social partners in implementation of flexicurity principle is strongly emphasized.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Slovenia: Slovenia: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  The role of social partners and social dialogue in the policymaking process leading to the introduction of flexicurity policies has been the most important at the conceptual level. Both employer organisations and trade unions are actively involved in discussions and formulation of the relevant legislative framework of flexicurity policies. At the lower levels of the social dialogue and in the collective bargaining employer organisations mostly argue for higher flexibility of employment and trade unions for more social security. Social partners are much less involved in search and implementation of advanced and innovative policies that would combine both sides of the flexicurity logic.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Norway: Norway: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Over the last years the Norwegian labour market politics have been reshaped in the direction of increasingly more active labour market policies, focusing of qualifications as well as keeping people in touch with the labour market - ‘activation’. This policy is supported by both the employer organisations as well as the trade unions. The Inclusive Working Life Agreement is a tripartite arrangement with a strong focus on company level activities, focusing among others on long term sick leave. Life-long learning has been high on the social partners’ agenda from the mid-1990s onwards although given less attention recently. Questions regarding deregulation of contractual arrangements have not been an important issue in Norwegian labour market policies.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Cyprus: Cyprus: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  The first direct approach to the concept of flexicurity is at such an early stage that there cannot yet be made any considerations about the existence of a national policy in relation to the matter. At the same time, the question of flexicurity has not yet been the subject of social dialogue, while in terms of collective bargaining both the government and the social partners believe that the industrial relations system itself, creates an adequate level of flexibility, mainly as regards bargaining on the basic terms and conditions of employment.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Bulgaria: Bulgaria: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  The highly centralised and regulated Bulgarian labour market with full employment underwent profound changes since the beginning of transition. More than one third of the jobs have been lost due to restructuring. The main policies were directed to the establishment of new legislative and institutional framework of labour and industrial relations in the completely different environment. While the concept of flexicurity is something new for Bulgaria, the flexibility-security debate was launched already in the first years of transition. The debate is further accelerated in line with the EU debates on EC Green Paper on modernising labour law and on flexicurity.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Portugal: Portugal: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  More than to look at flexicurity policies the following text addresses those typical areas, which have been the focus of the flexicurity debate. Contractual arrangements, lifelong learning, active labour market policies and social security policies, in particular unemployment protection, are examined in line with their provisions on flexibility and security. Furthermore, other issues are examined which have been relevant in the Portuguese case, such as other components of social protection, working time arrangements and functional flexibility. In relation to social partners, their views and practices and their role in macro concertation as well as in collective bargaining are highlighted and examples from collective agreements are provided which can give a picture of the dilemmas they face at the present.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Netherlands: The Netherlands: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  The Flexibility and Security Act is the most illustrative example of flexicurity policy in the Netherlands. The involvement of the social partners in the policy making process that led to this act and their role in its implementation is very substantial. The Act has led to more flexibility because of the acceptance of flexwork in the Dutch labour market. The Act also regulated protective rules for flexworkers to enhance income and employment security. In this text also other examples are described that fit in the flexicurity concept, although these are not labelled as ‘flexicurity’ by the industrial relations actors themselves. ‘Flexicurity’ is mostly linked to the debate on flexibilisation of dismissal law. This debate illustrates the best the social partners’ positions.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Czech Republic: Czech Republic: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Statistics suggest that labour market deregulation processes during the Czech Republic’s economic and social transformation led to an increase in the incidence of various forms of flexible employment. In certain areas this trend accelerated after the Czech Republic joined the European Union and adopted corresponding legislation, e.g. as regards agency employment. Nevertheless, compared with the EU average, and the average in the original 15 member states in particular, these forms are less developed in the Czech Republic.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Malta: Malta: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Flexicurity is forcing its way into public consciousness. Although the debate about flexicurity among the Maltese social partners generally revolves around the issue of family-friendly measures and work-life balance, other issues pertaining to this concept such as lifelong learning, active labour market polices and social security tend to feature in the ongoing debate about this concept.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Finland: Finland: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  The cornerstone of Finnish employment strategy has been to promote economic growth and to solve unemployment problems through a tripartite cooperation. The rise in the activation rate was significantly affected by reforms in labour policy implemented in mid-2000s. These included reforms in the labour policy guidance system. A new change security model, agreed as part of the 2005–2007 national incomes policy accord, extends employees’ right to individual re-employment programmes, drawn up by state employment offices. The main aim of this new model is to increase cooperation both at workplaces and with the labour authorities, so as to enable redundant workers to find alternative employment as swiftly as possible.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Austria: Austria: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Austria records an extensive ‘flexicurity’ approach with high social partner participation, whereby flexicurity measures are introduced by national legislation rather than collective agreements. This is because collective agreements in Austria primarily deal with ‘quantitative’ issues, such as remuneration and working time. Accordingly, the social partners’ influence in regard of flexicurity policies is mainly manifested in their strong involvement in both the drafting and implementation of pertinent legislation.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Lithuania: Lithuania: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Though the principle of flexicurity has been gradually implemented in Lithuania, the role of social partners and industrial relations has remained inadequate. This is primary due to a very feeble role of the social dialogue in the country on the whole; on the other hand, the social partners have not fully realised the necessity and unavoidability of labour market flexibilisation in Lithuania.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Italy: Italy: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  The report provides information on the design and implementation of measures concerning one or more areas of the ‘flexicurity’ strategy in Italy as defined in the most recent documents issued by the European Commission on the theme. In particular, the report describes the positions of the government and social partners on ‘flexicurity’, their role, and the actions that they have undertaken to favour both work flexibility and employment security.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Denmark: Denmark: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  The Danish labour market has been praised as prime example of flexicurity. The Golden Triangle – the mutually supporting combination of a flexible labour market, generous welfare schemes and active labour market policy - has often been used to illustrate flexicurity in Denmark. There is no doubt that this model grasps important dynamics of the Danish labour market. However, the model overestimates the generosity of the welfare schemes. Moreover, it is important to note that there is great variation within the Danish flexicurity model. This has led to the question if new ways should be found to describe the dynamics of flexicurity the Danish way – and if flexicurity has been granted with too much weight in explaining the successful Danish economy and good labour market performance.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Belgium: Belgium: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Belgium acquired the European Union’s ‘Outline for growth and employment’ by adopting its National Reform Programme in November 2005 which covers the country’s commitments in the fields of employment and economic policy. In the context of this programme, it appears that the European discussion relating to flexicurity is receiving a favourable response from the Belgian authorities. In 2004, the latter highlighted the necessity ‘of examining the rules written into Belgian legislation which provide excessive and counter-productive protection and those which remain important to guarantee workers’ security’. As for the National Reform Programme of 2005-2008, it signals the obsolescence of the ‘security of employment’ and replaces it with that of ‘security of career’ or making career paths more secure by facilitating the transition between jobs. In this way, Belgium is committing itself to promote flexicurity. The connecting thread running through the reforms which have been announced is an increase in the rate of activity and the maintenance in employment of those who are at risk of leaving the employment market.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Poland: Poland: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  In Poland the issue of flexicurity, although it is actually implied in the legal regulations, has not so far found its proper place in the public debate. Considering the low level of professional activity of Polish people, the unending wave of economic migration to EU-15 and the need to upkeep the fast pace of economic growth with the simultaneous increase of its innovativeness, the issues connected with flexicurity solutions should be the number one topic. Paradoxically, it seems that the government and trade unions as well as employer organisations have not been interested in such a debate and prefer extemporary solutions that result from the current pressure on decision makers. However, the fragmentation of existing solutions and the challenges facing the Polish labour market point to the need for concentrated co-operation of the parties interested in the future of labour relations.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Ireland: Ireland: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  This article outlines the main national flexicurity policies in Ireland as of January 2008, considers the positions of the social partners on flexicurity, and provides a few examples of notable workplace collective bargaining agreements encompassing flexicurity issues.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Hungary: Hungary: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  The concept of ’flexicurity’ has not yet been implemented in Hungary. So far, it has only appeared as an interpretation of EU policies and in proposals for changing labour law and labour market policies. Nonetheless, there are public policies and occasionally collective agreements, which can be viewed as attempts at a trade-off between flexibility and security, but they do not apply a ‘flexicurity’ approach. Notwithstanding, labour economists found that the Hungarian labour market seems to fall close to the scheme of extreme of weak job protection and high flexibility rather than the other way around.

• 15 Sep 2009
  France: France: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Although there are no current public policies directly related to flexicurity in France, this contribution outlines some of the main national multi-industry agreements that may constitute the beginning of the ‘flexicurity à la française’. The present segmentation of the labour market encourages social partners to discuss the issue of ‘making career paths secure’ instead of flexicurity.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Spain: Spain: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Flexicurity policies in Spain have been based on two main objectives: fostering stable employment, mainly through allowances to companies for social security contributions, and a series of measures aimed at improving the employability and activation of certain groups who find it difficult to integrate in employment. Despite the increasing concern of the social partners about employment security, these measures have slowly crept into collective bargaining and their effects have been limited, as is shown by the evolution of the labour market in the last decade.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Slovakia: Slovakia: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  High unbalance in the labour market was reduced in the last two years. However, unemployment is still about 13% and the long-term unemployment increased to more than 70%. Flexicurity approach is applied through partial policy measures. Trade unions demand sufficient social security for employees while employers focus more on flexibility issues supporting their business. Collective bargaining contributes to the implementation of flexicurity differently according to sectors and individual companies. However, social dialogue on development of systemic and reasonably balanced flexibility/security policy is only in initial stage.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Romania: Romania: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  This contribution is a synopsis of how flexicurity as a concept was implemented in Romanian practice, describing the initiatives and views of the social partners, the actual developments, and some of its practical effects on the Romanian labour market.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Estonia: Estonia: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  The concept of flexicurity has gained ground recently with the modernisation of labour law in Estonia. However, there is no comprehensive approach by the social partners or the government addressing all four aspects of flexicurity at the same time. The issues of flexicurity are not included in collective bargaining; however some social partner initiatives to support implementation of the flexicurity approach may be pointed out.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Luxembourg: Luxembourg: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  The debate on flexicurity is a recent one in Luxembourg. The partners hold fairly different positions on the issue. Employers’ organisations are in favour of the deregulation of employment. The trade unions believe that the Luxembourg model in its current state already provides for some aspects of flexicurity. It should be pointed out that the context of the Luxembourg labour market is in itself favourable since unemployment is regarded as structural, and the Minister of Employment believes that liberalisation of the legislation would not create jobs or reduce unemployment. The latest and most important measure that has been set up is the job retention policy, the aim of which is to find alternative solutions to redundancy (training, part-time work, changing of work post, loaning of manpower, etc.). In addition, one of the key aspects which is emphasised by all parties concerns the improvement of initial and continuing training mechanisms and structures.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Greece: Greece: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  The participation of the social partners in the creation and implementation of public policies falling within the concept of flexicurity is very limited, with the exception of certain current interventions in the field of lifelong learning. Regarded as equally inadequate is the progress of individual or even more of joint relevant actions by the social partners for the promotion of flexicurity. Apart from the indubitable fact that objectively the relevant discussion in Greece is lagging significantly behind other countries, there are at present very few prospects for the development of a relevant social dialogue on efforts to arrive at joint decisions and policies.

• 15 Sep 2009
  United Kingdom: United Kingdom: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Flexicurity is a term rarely heard in UK policy making or industrial relations practice. Government policy focuses on active labour market policies to encourage participation in employment rather than dependence on social security. Unions and employers are primarily involved in delivering improved training policies rather than other aspects of flexicurity. This ‘alternative model’ of flexicurity differs considerably from the original concept. Nonetheless, UK unemployment is comparatively low and perceptions of job security amongst employees are comparatively high.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Sweden: Sweden: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Sweden has a long tradition of security in terms of active and passive labour market policies. The flexibility aspect has been up for debate by the employer organisations since Denmark has shown higher employment rates than Sweden in recent years although the countries face similar economic opportunities. The prime issue up to debate on flexibility in Swedish labour market policy is the Employment Protection Act that states turn-taking rules on notice of employees in times of redundancy of work. An important part of security for employees negotiated in collective agreements are the supplementary benefits to redundant employees, these insurances cover 50% of the labour force, provide severance pay and, in some cases, outplacement services.

• 15 Sep 2009
  Germany: Germany: Flexicurity and industrial relations

  Views of the collective bargaining partners differ widely on what can be termed a flexicurity approach. Both parties criticise public policy measures at place which increasingly have been shaped by the influence of the employer organisations. Collective bargaining has resulted in various flexicurity provisions. However, results are hard to achieve as security is low on the agenda of most employer organisations. Social problems accumulate in private service sectors, where collective bargaining is at its weakest. Trade unions thus voice demand for more regulation, which is rejected by the employer side.

• 08 Sep 2009
  EU Countries: Industrial relations developments in Europe 2008

  This annual review highlights the most significant developments that took place in industrial relations in the EU Member States and Norway in 2008, both at national and EU level. It first sets out the political context, then goes on to examine levels of coverage of collective bargaining, and trends in bargaining regarding pay, working time and a number of other topics. In addition, this review outlines the year’s main developments in employment legislation, social dialogue, industrial action and company restructuring, and explores the impact of the global economic crisis. A specific thematic chapter examines the regulation, industrial relations, employment and working conditions of self-employed workers.

• 04 Sep 2009
  EU Countries: Pay developments – 2008

  EIRO’s annual analysis of pay trends finds that the average collectively agreed nominal wage increase across the EU fell from 7% in 2007 to 6.6% in 2008. Taking into account inflation, which rose strongly in 2008, the rate of real pay increase across the EU fell sharply, from 3.6% in 2007 to 1.3% in 2008. During the period under review, differences in terms of both pay trends and the level of pay increases persisted between the EU Member States that constituted the EU before the enlargement of 1 May 2004 and those that joined the EU in 2004 and 2007. The report also examines collectively agreed pay increases in three selected sectors (metalworking, banking and local government), current wage rates and minimum wage increases, increases in average earnings, as well as the extent of the gender pay gap across all countries.

• 04 Sep 2009
  Belgium: Results of 2008 social elections in private sector

  The 15th national social elections were held in Belgium in May 2008 to elect the country’s worker representatives to works councils and health and safety committees. Although the General Christian Trade Union remains by far the majority trade union confederation in Belgium, it experienced slight or very slight losses in a number of economic sectors and regions.

• 01 Sep 2009
  Sweden: Conflict between social partners over proposed work environment changes

  A letter issued by the Confederation of Swedish Enterprises proposing changes to the Work Environment Act has led to a heated debate among the social partners. Trade unions are opposed to the suggestion of reduced power for safety representatives and increased power for the employers. The employer organisations, on the other hand, want more individual responsibility for the work environment, in addition to new measures to deal with abuse of safety representatives’ role.

• 01 Sep 2009
  Greece: General strike highlights deteriorating economic situation

  A new general strike was held by the top trade unions affiliated to the Greek General Confederation of Labour and the Confederation of Public Servants in early April 2009. The trade unions condemned the restrictive fiscal policy of the Greek government, which has caused the economy to go into recession. They contend that it is the workers who are bearing the main burden of the economic crisis as a result of such policy.